US President Barack Obama spoke with his French counterpart Francois Hollande over efforts to deny terrorists a safe heaven in Mali and offered his support for building the African-led International Support Mission in the troubled country.         

"On Mali, the President expressed his support for France's leadership of the international community's efforts to deny terrorists a safe haven in Mali," the White House said adding that Hollande thanked Obama yesterday for the significant support provided by the United States to this effort.         

The two leaders emphasised the need to rapidly establish the African-led International Support Mission in Mali, as well as the importance of the Interim Government of Mali establishing a political roadmap that will lead to elections and restoration of democratic governance, the White House said.